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Lessons from the Generals
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Lessons from the Generals

Decisive Action Amid the Chaos of Crisis

Yuval Atsmon, David Chinn, Martin Hirt and Sven Smit
McKinsey, 2022
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Editorial Rating

8

Qualities

  • Concrete Examples
  • Engaging
  • Inspiring

Recommendation

The comparison of business to war is almost a cliché. However, authors Yuval Atsmon, David Chinn, Martin Hirt and Sven Smit, all senior partners at McKinsey, go beyond the usual superficial parallels to explain how businesses can learn from the military’s approach to leadership and crisis. The COVID-19 pandemic seriously disrupted business operations, even entire economies. Managers confronting this – and other – crises at every organizational level can and should learn from military principles and practices. They will benefit from this analysis. 

Take-Aways

  • Crises demand bold, decisive leadership.
  • In a crisis, the military sets up a number of teams, each with a particular job.
  • “Principles of war” that are second nature to military commanders can serve business leaders.

About the Authors

Yuval Atsmon and David Chinn are senior partners in McKinsey’s London office, Martin Hirt is a senior partner in the Greater China office and Sven Smit is a senior partner in the Amsterdam office.

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